06.25.2025
In This Article
If you’ve just acquired a rental or find yourself between tenants, it’s a prime moment to reassess the property’s condition—and its potential. Thoughtful upgrades, even modest ones, can go a long way in improving tenant satisfaction. More importantly, strategic renovations often support higher rental rates and stronger long-term returns. From updating finishes to addressing outdated layouts, knowing where to invest can help you attract the right renters and protect the value of your asset. It’s not about overhauling everything—it’s about making the right changes that pay off.
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Upgrade the Lighting Throughout the Rental Property
Lighting might not be the first thing you notice in a rental, but it’s one of the quickest ways to change how a space feels. Harsh or outdated fixtures can make even generous rooms feel dim and dated. But smart lighting updates—like flush-mount LEDs or clean-lined semi-flush mounts—can brighten rooms and modernize the entire home. In shared spaces and bedrooms, adding dimmer switches gives renters control over the mood, while under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen adds both function and polish. These upgrades aren’t just aesthetic—they make the home feel safer, more welcoming, and more considered, which renters notice.
Invest in Quality Countertops
Few upgrades influence first impressions like a well-chosen countertop. It’s one of the most visible surfaces in a rental—and one of the most telling when it comes to perceived quality. Durable materials like quartz offer a win on all fronts: resistant to stains and scratches, easy to maintain, and available in patterns that echo natural stone without the upkeep. Solid surface options, such as Corian, offer a clean, seamless look and can be repaired if damaged—an underrated plus in a rental. Even today’s high-end laminates are worth a second look, with designs that closely mimic stone at a fraction of the cost. Stick with neutral tones and simple edges to keep the space versatile. A good countertop doesn’t just look clean and modern—it signals that the property is well cared for, which helps justify higher rent.
Cheap Appliances Will Hurt Perceived Rental Value
That old, dated fridge and oven may be undermining your ability to ask for more rental money from potential occupants. Whether you're planning a full renovation or not, now may be the time to upgrade your appliances, as tenants increasingly expect modern, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing options.
A gleaming, matching set of stainless steel appliances can significantly elevate the perceived value of your rental unit, instantly making the kitchen look more upscale and functional. Invest in a refrigerator, stove/oven, dishwasher, and microwave that are not only energy-efficient but also consistent in their finish and style. Look for mid-range models from reputable brands that offer good features without being overly complex. Stainless steel is almost universally preferred and signals quality.
Plus, beyond aesthetics, reliable appliances mean fewer maintenance calls for you and a happier tenant.
Reface Cabinets and Update the Hardware
Completely replacing kitchen cabinets can be a substantial expense, but you don't always need a full overhaul to achieve a fresh look for your rental unit. Refacing your existing cabinets can be a cost-effective way to fix up the kitchen's appearance. This involves replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts with new ones (often in a more modern style or color) while keeping the existing cabinet boxes.
Even simpler, updating the cabinet hardware—think new pulls, knobs, and hinges—can have a surprisingly transformative effect. Ditching dated brass or worn-out handles for sleek matte black, brushed nickel, or simple chrome can instantly modernize a kitchen. This small detail signals attention to upkeep and design, making the kitchen feel more contemporary and inviting. Choose neutral, classic hardware that will appeal to a wide range of tastes and withstand frequent use.
Add In-Unit Laundry
For many renters—especially families or city dwellers—in-unit laundry isn’t just a perk; it’s a deciding factor. The alternative often means hauling loads to a laundromat or sharing facilities, which adds stress and time to an already busy week.
Installing a washer and dryer instantly makes your rental more competitive. If space allows, a full-sized stackable or side-by-side setup in a closet or nook is ideal. In smaller units, a compact all-in-one machine can be a smart solution—many models don’t require external venting, making installation simpler. Prioritize quiet operation, especially in layouts where the unit is near living or sleeping areas. While the upfront cost may be significant, the convenience it brings can command higher rent and attract longer-term tenants.
For more ideas, read our guide to laundry room remodeling.
Make Your Tub Shine
A dingy, chipped, or stained bathtub can make an entire bathroom feel old and unsanitary, even if the rest of the space is clean. This is a major turn-off for prospective tenants. Instead of undergoing a full, expensive demolition and replacement, consider reglazing or refinishing your existing tub. This process involves cleaning, repairing any imperfections, and applying a new, durable coating that makes the tub look and feel brand new for a fraction of the cost. It’s a quick way to restore sparkle and elevate the bathroom’s appeal.
However, if your tub is beyond repair or you're planning a more extensive bathroom renovation, opting for a tub-shower combo is almost always the wisest choice. While a standalone shower might seem sleek, a tub-shower combination accommodates a broader range of tenant needs—families with young children who need a tub for bathing, or those who simply prefer soaking. This versatility makes your unit appealing to a wider demographic, ensuring it meets various lifestyles.
Build an Extra Half-Bath
Adding an additional bathroom, even if it's just a half-bath (a powder room with a toilet and sink), can dramatically increase your property's functionality and appeal, thereby justifying a higher rent. This is particularly true for single-bathroom homes or properties with multiple bedrooms where a second toilet adds immense convenience.
Ideas for creating an extra half-bath include:
- Converting a closet into a bathroom: As discussed in previous articles, this is a popular option if a suitably sized closet is available and positioned near existing plumbing lines.
- Utilizing under-stair space: The often-unused area beneath a staircase can sometimes be cleverly transformed into a compact powder room.
- Carving out space from an oversized room: If you have a very large living room, dining room, or even a laundry room, a small portion might be sectioned off to create a new half-bath without significantly impacting the larger space.
However, adding a bathroom goes well beyond the parameters of “fixing up” your rental property. This renovation will require access to water supply, drainage, and proper ventilation, along with necessary permits. While it requires an upfront investment, an additional bathroom offers meaningful utility and can be a major value-add for tenants.
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Small Flaws Can Be Big Red Flags
These seemingly minor imperfections can have a disproportionately negative impact on a rental property's appeal. Chipped paint, scuffed walls, broken or bent blinds, missing outlet covers, or even a wobbly toilet seat immediately signal neglect and a lack of care from the landlord. Prospective tenants will subconsciously register these issues and question the overall maintenance of the property, often leading to a lower offer or them looking elsewhere entirely.
Fixing up these issues is usually simple and inexpensive, yet yields huge returns in perceived value. Freshly painted walls (free of chips and scuffs), fully functional and clean blinds, and intact fixtures create a clean, well-maintained, and inviting environment. These small details communicate that you are a diligent landlord who cares about the property, which in turn attracts tenants who are more likely to care for it themselves. Don't underestimate the power of a pristine, well-kept appearance in making a strong first impression.
Consider Upgrading The Front Door
The front door is the first point of contact a potential tenant has with your property, making it a critical element for a strong first impression. An old, worn, or unappealing front door can instantly detract from the home's curb appeal, signaling neglect before a tenant even steps inside.
Upgrading to a modern, well-maintained, or even a newly painted front door can significantly boost this initial perception. Look for doors made of durable materials like fiberglass or steel, which offer excellent security and energy efficiency. A fresh coat of paint in a classic or inviting color can also work wonders. Beyond aesthetics, a quality front door can also help with soundproofing the unit, particularly beneficial for properties on busy streets, and provides better insulation, contributing to lower utility bills—a quiet, comfortable, and energy-efficient home is a major draw for tenants.
Opt for White Paint
When fixing up a rental property, the default paint color should be a neutral, light shade, with white being the top contender. While you might have specific color preferences, remember that tenants are looking for a space to make their own. White walls provide a clean, blank canvas, allowing tenants to easily envision their furniture and decor within the space without clashing with existing colors.
This non-offensive, universally appealing choice suits a wide range of tastes and decor styles, from minimalist to bohemian. White also has the added benefit of making rooms feel brighter and more spacious, which is particularly advantageous in smaller units. It's easy to touch up between tenants and doesn't require specific color matching, simplifying future maintenance. By providing a neutral backdrop, you empower tenants to infuse their personality, making the unit feel like home faster.
Ditch Carpet
In high-traffic areas and common living spaces, carpet is increasingly viewed as undesirable by tenants, and for good reason. It can trap dirt, allergens, and odors, making it difficult to keep clean. Stains are inevitable, and over time, carpets wear out, mat down, and look dated. Even if professionally cleaned between tenants, it's hard to guarantee a truly fresh start.
Replacing old or stained carpet with hard-surface flooring is one of the best investments you can make in a rental property. Options include luxury vinyl plank (LVP), engineered hardwood, or even ceramic tile. LVP is particularly popular for rentals due to its durability, water resistance, ease of cleaning, and realistic wood or stone look. Hard-surface flooring provides a cleaner, more modern aesthetic, is much easier to maintain for both you and your tenants, and is perceived as more hygienic. This upgrade alone can significantly boost your rental rate and attract tenants who appreciate low-maintenance living.
Make Sure the Property is Mold-Free
Nothing will deter a potential tenant faster than visible mold or a persistent musty odor. These are immediate red flags that signal serious underlying issues with moisture, air quality, and overall property maintenance. Visible mold (often black, green, or white patches) on walls, ceilings, or around windows indicates a moisture problem, which can range from minor condensation issues to major leaks or plumbing failures.
Even without visible mold, a "funny smell" or a general mustiness suggests a hidden problem, potentially within walls, under flooring, or in ductwork. Before listing your property, conduct a thorough inspection for any signs of mold or unusual odors. Address any moisture sources immediately—repair leaks, improve ventilation, and ensure proper drainage around the foundation. Treat and remove any mold thoroughly and professionally if necessary. Ensuring your property is completely mold-free and smells fresh and clean is not just about aesthetics; it's about tenant health, safety, and your legal responsibilities as a landlord. It conveys a well-maintained, healthy living environment that inspires confidence in prospective renters.
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Trying to Rent Out a House? Convert the Basement and Attic
If you're renting out a single-family house and have underutilized space, renovating the basement and/or attic into usable living areas can unlock significant rental income potential. These conversions typically involve transforming raw, unfinished space into additional bedrooms, a recreation room, a home office, or even a separate apartment (where zoning allows).
Basement Conversion: A finished basement can add extra bedrooms, a family room, or even a small kitchenette and bathroom, making the property ideal for larger families or multi-generational living. Proper basement waterproofing, insulation, egress windows (for bedrooms), and heating/cooling are crucial here.
Attic Conversion: A finished attic can create a cozy primary suite, extra bedrooms, or a versatile bonus room. Considerations include structural reinforcement, insulation, staircase access, and ensuring adequate headroom and ventilation.
These rental property renovations are substantial projects, requiring permits, professional design, and significant investment. However, by effectively adding square footage and functionality, they can dramatically increase the property's rental value and appeal, allowing you to command a much higher rent.
Bonus Tip: Get to Know Your Target Demographic
Understanding your target tenant is crucial for any renovation, as different demographics seek specific design elements to suit their lifestyles.
Young Adults: These renters often prioritize modern aesthetics and smart home integration. Think sleek, minimalist designs, excellent connectivity for streaming and remote work, and features that simplify maintenance. They'll appreciate spaces that are both stylish and functional for their fast-paced lives.
Couples: Design for couples should balance shared comfort with individual needs. Open-concept living areas for entertaining, well-appointed kitchens, and comfortable bedrooms are key. They might value elements like dual-sink vanities or ample closet space that cater to two.
Families: For families, the emphasis is on practical, durable, and safe design. Prioritize multi-functional spaces, ample storage, and robust finishes that can withstand active use. Extra bathrooms, a dedicated laundry area, and easy-to-clean surfaces will be highly valued for their everyday needs.
Older Adults: This demographic often seeks comfort, accessibility, and ease of living. Design elements like single-level layouts, grab bars (subtly integrated), good lighting, and low-maintenance yards are appealing. They might prioritize functional design over trendy aesthetics, focusing on comfort and long-term usability.
Bonus Tip: Invest in Energy-Efficient Home Design
While potential tenants may not have "energy efficiency" at the absolute top of their minds when home hunting, nothing will drive current occupants out or generate complaints like sky-high utility bills. In an era of rising energy costs and increased environmental awareness, an energy-efficient home is a huge selling point.
Consider upgrades such as:
- Upgrading windows: Modern, energy-efficient windows and well-sealed doors reduce drafts and improve insulation.
- Improving insulation: Adding insulation in attics, walls, and crawl spaces significantly reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
- Updating HVAC systems: Replacing old furnaces and air conditioners with high-efficiency models can dramatically lower heating and cooling costs.
- Sealing air leaks: Simple measures like caulking and weatherstripping around windows, doors, and utility penetrations can make a big difference.
- Installing LED lighting: Swapping out incandescent bulbs for LEDs drastically cuts electricity consumption for lighting.
While these might seem like background investments, they lead to tangible savings for your tenants, which can be a compelling factor in their decision as to stay or go. Plus, marketing your property as "energy-efficient" or highlighting low average utility bills can be a strong competitive advantage, attracting responsible tenants and contributing to long-term satisfaction and retention.
Invest in Smart and Stylish Rental Property Renovations With Block
Choosing the right upgrades to fix up your rental property can significantly boost its appeal and your rental income. With Block, you gain access to a curated network of expert contractors who understand the nuances of renovating investment properties. We streamline the entire process, ensuring every design choice and material selection is geared towards maximizing tenant satisfaction and return on investment. From concept to completion, Block ensures your renovation is stress-free, on budget, and elevates your property's value. Partner with us to transform your rental into a highly desirable and profitable asset.
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